C.E.C.D. Mira Sintra

C.E.C.D. Mira Sintra - Center for Citizen Education with Disabilities, C.R.L. is a non-profit Social Cooperative recognised as Institution of Public Utility. It was founded in 1976 by parents and technicians and from the beginning the knowledges and experience of both are present in the management of the Cooperative. It currently serves more than 2,200 people, including children, young people and adults who need specialist support because of disruptions to their development and / or marked deficits in their educational, work or social performance.

Principal disabilities and special needs catered for :Mental disability (our associates) Age groups : 0 - 40+ (our associates) Main services provided :In service training, technical advice, legal assistance, documentation. Founded in 1985, FENACERCI is a national federation which represents almost 50 cooperatives for the education and rehabilitation of people with special needs. These facilities provide direct or indirect support to approximately 5000 children, youths and adults with mental multiple disability.

FENACERCI is a Public Service Organization and its main objectives are:

to promote the recognition of the rights of mentally disabled citizens,

together with their interests and those of their families;

to ensure that the care which is provided for them is always based on criteria of quality, dignity and appropriateness;

to discuss with political forces in central government and in other

organizations with regard to both legislation and financial support, in

order to improve the quality of services provided by Cerci’s;

to inform people and to motivate in them a change of attitude which will

make it easier for people who are different to be integrated.

Created with the objective of representing the associates FENACERCI provides a range of support services aimed at increasing the potential of the

Cerci’s:

training

documentation

technical advice

legal assistance

Making society aware that the integration of these people is a virtue to be defended, that their differences merit respect, and that their individual potentials are worthy consideration and should be made use of, these will continue to constitute the main thrust of FENACERCI’s development work.